Students and teachers at Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD) are celebrating after receiving top marks from Ofsted.

NSCD, based in Chapeltown, has been given an Outstanding rating for its Foundation Course in Contemporary Dance. One of only eight schools forming the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (CDD), NSCD’s year long course provides talented over 16s with a springboard to degree level training and a career in the dance industry.

Principal Janet Smith said, “We are all delighted with this result and extremely proud of our students, their achievements, and that they represent NSCD so well. I am grateful to all the staff here who work so hard across all areas to make the School and student experience the best it can be.”

Following a rigorous first time inspection for the School at the end of last year, the Ofsted inspectors lauded NSCD for its high quality of teaching, learning and assessment. The School’s community work did not go unnoticed either, with Ofsted declaring that ‘residents of the city benefit highly from the excellent learning and participation activities at NSCD”. The glowing report coincides with Ms Smith’s MBE for services to the dance industry announced in the 2015 New Year’s Honours List.

Ofsted also praised NSCD’s commitment to supporting students, both during and outside of lessons. Katy Hewison, a first year NSCD student said, “The Ofsted inspection had a wonderful, deserving outcome. It acknowledges the inspirational friendly environment offered at NSCD”.

Established in 1992, the Foundation Course complements the degree and postgraduate programmes at NSCD. Many of the School’s 200 UK and overseas students go on to work with high-profile national and international companies including Hofesh Shechter Company, Vincent Dance Theatre and Protein Dance. NSCD alumni, such as the world-leading choreographer Akram Khan MBE, also set up their own successful dance companies after study.

Ms Smith who for the past three years has been at the helm of the School, the only institute providing conservatoire dance training north of London, added, “Leeds has a rich performing arts heritage. The School has contributed to producing some of the dance industry’s most talented artists and arts leaders, as well as inspirational performing companies. Our dance sector is pulling out the stops to raise the profile of Leeds as a dance destination. NSCD’s Outstanding Ofsted report is not only brilliant for the School but a boost to efforts to showcase the city as the premier home for high quality dance”.

The report comes as Northern School of Contemporary Dance prepares for its 30 year anniversary in September. Students and parents interested in NSCD courses should email info@nscd.ac.uk or click here.